What is the main goal of a penetration test?

The primary goal of a penetration test is to simulate a cyberattack to identify vulnerabilities within a system, application, or network. This simulated attack mimics the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by malicious actors, enabling security professionals to discover weaknesses before they can be exploited. By conducting a penetration test, organizations gain insight into their security posture and can prioritize remediation efforts on the most critical vulnerabilities.

This process not only helps in finding potential entry points for attackers but also assists in assessing the effectiveness of existing security measures. The findings from a penetration test can be instrumental for organizations looking to improve their overall security strategies and defenses.